The Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, has announced a series of measures aimed at tackling persistent flooding along the Lagos section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement in Lagos, Umahi said the Federal Ministry of Works, in partnership with the Lagos State Government, would construct service lanes with integrated drainage systems to address the recurring flooding in the corridor.

He explained that the initiative forms part of a long-term strategy to mitigate flooding caused by heavy rainfall and inadequate drainage infrastructure in the area.

The minister, however, disclosed that implementing the project would require the removal of properties located within 15 metres of the highway corridor to create space for the proposed service lanes and drainage facilities.

As part of immediate interventions, Umahi said the ministry would begin desilting existing drainage channels and waterways clogged by refuse to improve water flow and reduce flooding.

He also warned residents against indiscriminate dumping of waste into drainage channels and waterways, stressing that offenders would be arrested and prosecuted.

According to the minister, the measures are essential to protecting lives and property, while safeguarding the integrity of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

Umahi, who earlier inspected the project corridor alongside National Assembly leaders and contractors, maintained that the ongoing highway construction was not responsible for the flooding experienced in the area.

He attributed the flooding to the effects of climate change and long-standing drainage deficiencies rather than the coastal highway project.